Recently the UK MEP Brian Simpson (Chairman of the Transport And Tourism Committee), astounded motorcyclists with his comment at the end of a discussion about the Road Worthiness Testing (RWT) proposal (which his committee is tasked to examine on behalf of the European parliament) that he was astounded that 12 member states do not have […]
Down The Plug Hole!
18th March 2013
As reported by some European rider organisations, the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) argues that, “Road users and motorcyclists in particular, have serious doubts about the objectiveness of the EU decision-making process and the actual motives and democratic values of our representatives.” FEMA adds, “It would not be the first time the EU has […]
RWT – MEP Raising Concerns
6th March 2013
In January we reported on the TRAN (Transport and Tourism) committees Public Hearing on the European Commission’s proposals for European wide Road Worthiness Testing (RWT), registration documents for vehicles and roadside inspections of commercial vehicles. The hearing involving two expert panels, with those on the panel giving an opinion on roadworthiness checks, road safety as […]
RWT – Is it Toast?
5th March 2013
The RWT (Road Worthiness Testing) procedures are probably as interesting as dried toast, but as motorcyclists we need to keep on top of these procedures so that we know what our future is. The Commission’s proposal if implemented would create enormous change across Europe and for different reasons, governments, consumer organisations and politicians have opposing […]
Clean Power For Bikes
5th March 2013
ACEM – the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, which is the professional body representing the interests of powered two wheeler (PTWs – that’s motorcycles to you and me) manufacturers in Europe reports that a Clean Power for Transport package includes Powered Two-Wheelers amongst mobility solutions for tomorrow’s energy challenges ACEM say that on the 24th January […]
The Motorcycle Helmet Law
7th February 2013
The Motorcycle Helmet Law in the UK – Background Forty years ago, the “Motor Cycles (Wearing of Helmets) Regulations 1973 (S.I., 1973, No. 180), dated 7th February 1973”, was enacted – the statutory instrument came into operation on 1st June of the same year. On April 5th 1973, the order for this regulation was debated […]
Civilised Road Worthiness Testing
24th January 2013
On Tuesday 22nd January 2013, the TRAN Committee held a Public Hearing concerning the proposals for new EU-wide Road Worthiness Testing (RWT) also known as Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI) for cars, powered two-wheelers (PTWs – motorcycles – scooters – mopeds) and commercial vehicles and trailers. The European Commission representative commented that, “In a country where […]
Motorcycling Matters!
22nd January 2013
ACEM – the Motorcycle Industry in Europe, who are the professional body representing the interests of powered two wheeler (PTWs – that’s motorcycles to you and me) manufacturers in Europe, has produced a video to accompany their conference, which is taking place in Brussels today. According to ACEM the video highlights “The role that Powered […]
New EU Licence
17th January 2013
The Northern Ireland Department Of The Environment (DOE) has posted a reminder regarding the new EU rules (3rd EC Directive On Driving Licences), which is not just for motorcyclists, but also for car drivers who tow trailers, bus drivers, lorry drivers and driving examiners. The directive was passed by the European Parliament in 2006 and […]
TRAN Public Hearing on RWT
16th January 2013
The TRAN (Transport and Tourism) Committee of MEPs is to hold a public hearing, involving two expert panels, on roadworthiness checks and road safety as well as their impact on citizens and business. This committee is dealing with the Commission’s proposals for European wide Road Worthiness Testing (RWT), registration documents for vehicles and roadside inspections […]
